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Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry official: â€œAzerbaijan is turning from a regional leader into a global actorâ€ â€“ INTERVIEW

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry official: â€œAzerbaijan is turning from a regional leader into a global actorâ€ â€“ <font color=red>INTERVIEW</font>

16 February 2012 09:30 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Victoria Dementieva â€“ APA. APAâ€™s interview with the press officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elman Abdullayev

- Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs was invited to G20 meeting. What does it mean for Azerbaijan?

- Along with the member countries, 10 other countries â€“ Azerbaijan, Austria, Norway, Spain, Singapore, UAE, Chile, Columbia, Cambodia, Algeria and an international organization â€“ the African Union were invited to the meeting. We are very pleased with that Azerbaijan was also included in this list of countries, which are known for their dynamic economic development and leadership features.

It is no secret that Azerbaijan is a country dynamically developing in the economic and energy fields, as well as having regional influence. Certain parameters are taken into consideration while inviting to the meeting: dynamic of the countryâ€™s development, its regional role and active participation in the international processes and international humanitarian missions. Our country didnâ€™t remain to the natural disasters in a number of countries last year, including Turkey, Africa and South-Eastern Asia and actively participated in assisting these countries. Today Azerbaijan is a leading country in the South Caucasus. About 83% of the South Caucasian economy falls to the lot of Azerbaijan, which is very high indication.

Our country is actively working with the international organizations and playing active role in the international processes within the framework of both bilateral and different international organizations. Azerbaijan will chair UN Security Council in May, 2012 and September, 2013. It is an honor for the country because the chairing country determines the Security Councilâ€™s agenda and put forward priority issues of global character for discussion.

This year European Union will begin new round of negotiations on visa facilitation. Our country takes active part in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and joined the Non-Aligned Movement.

All these points played an important role in inviting Azerbaijan to G20 meeting.

- What issues will be discussed at the meeting?

-Global economic and financial issues, international economic crisis are discussed within the framework of G20. The G20 members being the leaders of the world economy influence the solution of the global problems, participate in decision making. Azerbaijanâ€™s involvement in this process is the beginning of the great victory of Azerbaijan, as we have gained the right to participate in such a great and influential format such as G20.

Macroeconomic challenges, economic recession, water shortage, food safety problems will be discussed at the meeting.

-Does this invitation mean that Azerbaijan will further attend G20 meetings?

-Azerbaijan has been invited to the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers. Frankly speaking but for Azerbaijanâ€™s recent achievements in economy, diplomacy, especially in the international processes, the country would not have been invited. The world community can not close eyes to the country that is developing dynamically and has found its level in the world.

-What prospects will participation in the meeting open for Azerbaijan?

- I think participation in such formats means recognition of Azerbaijanâ€™s role. This is the indicator of serious partnership and will enable the country to put forth concrete proposals and initiatives. Of course, Azerbaijan will strengthen its international presence. Azerbaijan is increasing its influence in the international arena, despite being a young and small country, is turning from a regional leader into a global actor. Crossing the stage, which we desired some years ago, we have entered a new arena â€“ have become members of the UN Security Council and Non-Aligned Movement. We are not only energy supplier. We have turned the energy resources into the formula of success of the entire region. On the horizon I see serious breakthrough in Azerbaijanâ€™s foreign policy towards the table at which great states are sitting.

-Does Minister plan to hold bilateral meetings with G20 foreign ministers?

-Bilateral meetings, some talks with the leading countries can be held behind the scenes.